Tulvars with Zoomorphic Hilts

[Likhari]

Originally Posted by Oliver Pinchot

Because the parrot, or babgha in Arabic, is also considered a creature which reveals secrets, sometimes relating to Paradise. This is probably more 'adat than anything else, but the traditional was strong in Iran, Central Asia and Mughal India.

Excellent point Oliver!

Here are some more parrots for you.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Ariel, One of the adaptions or cross cultural trends in sword design taken up to the 20thC in Afghanistan has been this guard with what appears to be a dominant beak at the top of the Knuckle Guard.

Likhari, The beautiful hilt form in Tuquoise blue is from a style of Kastane likely to be South Indian by form...rather than Tulvar ..but a great example all the same. This designation of South Indian is likely key to the origin of design in Kastane influencing the Sri Lankan Royal Court artesans many who were from South Indian workshops.

[Likhari]

You are right Ibrahim that indeed is a Katsane but the design seems to have evolved parallel to the Tulvar. Here are a couple more examples:

[Likhari]

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